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SKODA Octavia wins in the Tow Car Awards 2014


skodavia octa

Milton Keynes--June 13, 2014: The holiday season is almost here and the ŠKODA Octavia has again proved it’s the perfect partner for summer trips away with a caravan – by winning its class in the annual Tow Car Awards.

The expert judges rated the ŠKODA Octavia 2.0-litre TDI CR 150PS Elegance as number one in the ‘Up To 1,400kg’ car category.

The victory continues ŠKODA’s outstanding record of success in the awards. The same model won the same class last year, when it was also voted the Tow Car Awards Overall Winner. The ŠKODA Superb 2.0-litre TDI 170 4x4 Elegance and ŠKODA Superb Estate 2.0 TDI CR 170 SE have also been successful in the recent past, both winning their classes in 2009 and 2010 respectively.

David Motton, Tow Car Editor for Practical Caravan comments on the ŠKODA Octavia included:

“Last year’s overall winner, the ŠKODA Octavia, remains our favourite small tow car. Despite some strong new contenders, the result never seemed in serious doubt.

“A good turn of speed is desirable, but stability is essential for any good tow car. The ŠKODA has this base covered, towing with the security of a much bigger car in most conditions.

“What cements the Octavia’s position at the top is just how practical it is, both for towing duties and as a family workhorse. It’s huge inside, with plenty of room for adults to get comfortable in the back seats.

“Given that the Octavia is also enjoyable to drive without a caravan, comprehensively equipped and good value, it’s hard to find any obvious weakness.”

The Tow Car Awards are a joint venture between The Camping and Caravanning Club, Practical Caravan and What Car?. This year 56 cars were tested, the most since the awards began in 2007. Vehicles are divided into five categories by kerb weight, so readers can easily find cars which make a sensible match for their caravan or trailer.

Each car goes through the same set of rigorous tests, towing a Swift Group caravan weighted to 85% of the car's kerb weight. The tests include stability, lane-change and hill-start, as well as the vehicle’s overall practicality and subjective input from the judges.

The panel is led by David Motton, Tow Car Editor of Practical Caravan and a former Editor of Practical Caravan and What Car?